Breaking dormancy by species

As can be read in germinating treeseeds, many seeds require pre-treatment before they will germinate. Although not comprehensive by any standard, below a start of a guide to breaking dormancy of commonly used bonsai species.

Stratification means that seeds are placed in a moist but not soaking wet medium, such as spaghnum mos. The container in which this happens ideally prevents excessive evaporation of water, in order to keep the medium moist throughout. Yet it should allow for gass exchange. A zip-lock back which has not been closed completely is often used. Cold stratification takes place at temperatures ideally below 10 degrees. The meat drawer of a fridge is a good place. Warm stratification is roughly at 18-22 degrees.

Hot scarification is done by pooring hot (Not boiling, but rather at about 80 degrees) water over the seeds. Leave the water to cool and llet the seeds sit in the water for 12-24 hours. Seeds should have swollen considerably if scarification was succesfull. Repeat if so required.

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